Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa, has placed an order for 10 additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft, enabling further development of its fast expanding long-haul route network. Last June, Ethiopian Airlines became the first African carrier to operate the A350 when it took delivery of the first of 12 aircraft in order. Today the carrier operates a fleet of four A350s, two of which are on lease. Today’s order tops-up the Addis Ababa-based carrier’s fleet, enabling it to pursue its… (aviationtribune.com) More...

Ethiopian is the most profitable airline in sub-Saharan Africa. Until the A-350 came along they were essentially an all Boeing and Bombardier airline. They have carved out a niche doing aircraft maintenance and have dedicated an impressive education system to train their brightest students to support that industry. The next nearest facilities available are in South Africa.With this order, I would expect they will now widen their maintenance expertise beyond Boeing and Bombardier turboprops. They seldom do a single purchase in isolation.